European Travel Tips

Travel Safely Through Europe!

You’ve planned this for years, you’ve made a list of all the attractions and sights you’ve dreamed of seeing up close, and you socked away money in coffee cans and special bank accounts to make this happen. Finally, it’s time to embark on the vacation of a lifetime – a journey through Europe’s most elegant and exciting cities!

Whether you plan to remain within one or two countries, or hop on Eurail and explore as much as you can, it’s important to be prepared before you leave home. You not only should have your European hotel reservations made in advance, but it’s important to take safety precautions so there are no disturbances on your vacation.

Keep Everything Close at Hand! It’s true that the fanny pack doesn’t make much of a fashion statement, but if you are able to procure a special travel carry-along where you have your important stuff – traveler’s checks, passports, spare money, medications, and other essentials – you’ll be ready to go. Make a copy of your passport and leave it with a trusted friend at home in the event something happens, and purchase traveler’s checks from a reliable source with protection. Leave the bank debit card at home if possible – identity theft is a big risk when abroad. Play it safe!

Need to Know Basis. With the rise in social media, people are apt to tweet and add to Foursquare and other networks their whereabouts. It’s fun to brag about your trip, but be mindful about posting. You don’t want anybody to find out you’ve left your house vulnerable to threat! Leave your itinerary with a close friend or relative, then tweet about your vacation when you come home.

Change is Good. Conversation rates for currency change often. These days most everybody takes plastic, but there are times you may need cash. Educate yourself on the best exchanges and the best places to make the trade. Banks and travel agencies usually provide good rates, and it’s good to have at least $50-100 on hand in case of emergencies.

Get a Charge. Assuredly any friend who’s been to Europe already will tell you to watch out for those European electric outlets. You will need a special converter if you’ve packed your hair dryer – you can usually find an inexpensive one at Sears or Target.

Above all else, have fun! This is your dream vacation, so make the most of it.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer specializing in articles on European hotels and London travel.